Application of ZETAG 4100 Anionic Polyacrylamide

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is a high-molecular-weight anionic flocculant designed for efficient solid–liquid separation in water treatment, wastewater treatment, mining, mineral processing, and sludge management applications. As an anionic polyacrylamide, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide works primarily through polymer bridging, forming large and strong flocs that improve settling, clarification, thickening, and dewatering performance. It is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder and prepared as a dilute aqueous solution prior to use.

General Function and Flocculation Mechanism

In many industrial and municipal systems, suspended solids such as mineral particles, metal hydroxides, and inorganic fines carry neutral or slightly positive surface charges, especially after coagulation. ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide adsorbs onto these particle surfaces and creates polymer bridges between individual particles, forming stable floc structures. These flocs have higher mass and strength, allowing them to separate more rapidly from water by sedimentation, flotation, filtration, or centrifugation.

Because ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide relies mainly on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it performs particularly well in high-solids systems, pre-coagulated suspensions, and inorganic-rich slurries.

Application in Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment

One of the primary applications of ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, especially for clarification and sludge handling. Typical uses include sludge thickening in gravity thickeners, clarification of treated effluent, and conditioning of sludge prior to dewatering.

In these applications, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide improves floc size and settling velocity, resulting in clearer supernatant, higher underflow solids concentration, and more stable thickener operation. The improved thickening efficiency reduces hydraulic loading on downstream dewatering equipment and contributes to lower overall operating costs.

Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment, where effluents often contain large amounts of suspended inorganic solids. Common industries include steel production, metal finishing, power generation, chemical manufacturing, and building materials processing.

In these systems, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide enhances clarification efficiency by aggregating fine particles that would otherwise remain dispersed. When used after inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate, it strengthens floc structures and improves settling in clarifiers, lamella settlers, and dissolved air flotation units.

Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

Mining and mineral processing are key application areas for ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide. It is extensively applied in tailings thickening, clarification of process water, and solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation circuits. In mineral slurries containing fine particles, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide promotes rapid floc formation and high settling rates.

The use of ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide enables efficient water recovery, reduced tailings storage requirements, and improved environmental performance of mining operations.

Application in Coal Washing and Fine Particle Recovery

In coal preparation plants, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is used to treat wash water and recover fine coal particles. By forming large, shear-resistant flocs, it improves clarification efficiency and increases recovery of valuable fines. This results in reduced solids losses, cleaner overflow water, and improved plant throughput.

Application in Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is commonly applied in sludge thickening and dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, filter presses, and screw presses. In these processes, it enhances water release from sludge, increases cake solids content, and produces clearer filtrate or centrate.

Improved dewatering performance reduces sludge volume, lowering transportation, handling, and disposal costs.

Application in Construction and Tunnel Slurry Treatment

In construction, foundation works, and tunneling projects, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is used to treat bentonite and drilling slurry waste. It effectively separates solids from slurry, allowing treated water to be reused on site and reducing the volume of waste requiring disposal.

Compatibility and Chemical Integration

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is compatible with a wide range of treatment chemicals, including inorganic coagulants, lime, pH adjustment agents, and organic coagulants such as polyamines. It is typically dosed after coagulation to maximize floc strength and separation efficiency.

Dosage and Preparation

Typical dosage levels of ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration and process conditions. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution and requires sufficient aging time for complete hydration. Proper mixing and controlled dosing are essential for optimal performance.

Summary

In summary, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile and efficient flocculant used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal washing, sludge thickening and dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. Through effective polymer bridging, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide improves settling, clarification, and water recovery while reducing operational costs and supporting sustainable process operation.